D-Day 70: Wiltshire veterans honoured at services

The heroes who landed on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, have been honoured at services and events across south Wiltshire.

Members of the public stood and showed their respect as veterans marched through the streets, remembering the bitter battles fought on and after D-Day, 70 years ago.

On Friday members of the Royal British Legion gathered at the war memorial in the Guildhall Square, Salisbury for a special service.

Poppy wreaths were laid along with crosses bearing the names of the famous beaches where Allied forces landed and began the fight for the liberation of Europe.

Standard bearers led the parade and prayers were said to remember the events of D-Day and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

At Salisbury District Hospital staff and patients marked the historical links with the American military with a ceremony held on hospital's Green.

The event was attended by Colonel Christopher D Reed, senior liaison officer for the US Army Training and Doctrine Command who saw the American flag raised as the hospital honoured all servicemen and women who played their part on D-Day and throughout the following months.

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Hospital chaplains Kim Stephens and Frances Canham also reflected on those who were involved in providing care and treatment for the injured soldiers.

Dr Nick Marsden, chairman at Salisbury District Hospital, said: “This was such a memorable occasion and a fitting way to mark both the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings and our historic links with the US military.”

Towns and villages across the county also held D-Day events and receptions including Wilton where the town council and Lord Pembroke welcomed chief of staff Land Forces, Major General Tyrone Urch.

On Sunday the Wiltshire branch of the Royal British Legion held their annual D-Day service of rededication and parade in Salisbury.

They marched though the city centre to St Thomas's Church before parading back to the Guildhall where Jo Broom, mayor of Salisbury, took the salute.